Maggie was a subject in a clinical study that was designed to determine the effects of certain diets on health. While participating in the study, she had to live in a special unit of the university hospital. She could only eat the synthetic formula diet that was provided by the scientists who were in charge of the study. The formula contained vitamins, minerals, choline, egg protein, purified water, and potato starch. Within a few weeks, Maggie's hair began to fall out and she developed patches of scaly skin on her arms and legs. When _____ were added to her formula, the signs of the nutritional deficiency disappeared.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids are essential fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet. Deficiencies in these fatty acids can lead to dry, scaly skin and hair loss. Adding them back into Maggie's formula would have addressed her nutritional deficiency and resolved her symptoms. None of the other options listed would have addressed her specific nutritional deficiency.

Maggie Was a Subject in a Clinical Study That Was